David Hughes: Does playcentre have a future? 21 Feb, 2021 10:04 PM 4 minutes to read Springvale Playcentre in Fox Rd. A blessing for David Hughes and his daughter. Photo / Paul Brooks Springvale Playcentre in Fox Rd. A blessing for David Hughes and his daughter. Photo / Paul Brooks Wanganui Midweek OPINION: Springvale Playcentre has been a real blessing for me and our daughter. As a somewhat older dad, attending Springvale Playcentre has allowed me to meet, engage and get to know other parents which otherwise would have been more challenging. Three years ago, I had never heard of playcentre. I'm originally from the UK and had not encountered this iconic institution which has been a rite of passage for generations of many Kiwi tamariki. Little did I realise then how important it was to become in our lives. Our daughter loves going to playcentre. She prefers it to the excellent daycare centre she also enjoys attending. It's just that at playcentre she interacts with a parent. We have enjoyed the playcentre experience that enables parents to be part of how their child learns, and develops through play. I have appreciated the playcentre support of myself as a first educator of our daughter. This sets playcentre apart from kindergarten, childcare, preschool and daycare options.